Concrete Worker
Career Guide
Complete concrete worker career guide. Find salary data by state, apprenticeship programs, certification requirements, job opportunities, and everything you need to launch your concrete career.
Types of concrete workers
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What concrete workers do
Concrete workers pour, spread, level, and finish concrete for construction projects ranging from sidewalks and driveways to bridges and high-rise foundations. They work with reinforcement systems, formwork, and specialized tools to create durable, code-compliant structures that stand for decades.
Daily Tasks
- Read blueprints and project plans to determine concrete placement requirements
- Build and set formwork and shoring to support concrete pours
- Mix, pour, and spread concrete using hand tools and power equipment
- Finish concrete surfaces by floating, troweling, and edging to specification
- Place reinforcing steel (rebar) and wire mesh before pouring concrete
- Monitor curing conditions and apply curing compounds to prevent cracking
- Operate concrete pumps, vibrators, and power finishing machines
- Inspect finished work for quality and compliance with project specifications
- Calculate material quantities and project costs including labor and equipment
Concrete Worker Training Paths
On The Job Training (OJT)
Start earning from day one. Many concrete contractors hire entry-level workers with no prior experience—you'll learn pouring, finishing, and forming directly on the job site while tracking hours toward your journeyman certification.
Non-Union Path
Independent apprenticeships through contractor associations like Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) offer flexible schedules and a direct path into the trade without union membership requirements.
Trade School
Vocational programs lasting 6 months to 1 year cover concrete fundamentals, formwork, finishing techniques, and safety—giving you a structured head start before hitting the job site.
Union Path
A 2–3 year apprenticeship through OPCMIA (Operative Plasterers' and Cement Masons' International Association) provides structured training, journeyman wages, and full union benefits from day one.
Requirements
Step by step process
- Earn a high school diploma or GED
- Apply for entry-level concrete laborer positions to start building hands-on experience
- Consider enrolling in a trade school or vocational concrete program
- Apply for a union (OPCMIA) or non-union apprenticeship program
- Complete 2–3 years of apprenticeship training (4,000+ hours on-the-job)
- Obtain journeyman cement mason or concrete finisher certification
- Gain experience across commercial, residential, and infrastructure projects
- Pursue advanced certifications: ACI Concrete Flatwork Finisher, Shotcrete Nozzleman, or foreman roles
state-by-state concrete worker guide
Explore concrete worker salaries, licensing requirements, and job opportunities across every state. Whether you're looking for the best pay, the most openings, or which states require certification—this is your starting point.
Learn from the pros
Watch expert tutorials and day-in-the-life videos from skilled concrete workers across the industry
Can You Make $100,000 A Year As A Concrete Finisher?
#concretefinisher #concretefinisherpay #concretefinishersalary How much money can you make as a concrete finisher? Can you make $100,000 dollars per year as a concrete finisher? I answer these questions in the video. A good concrete finisher can make a lot of money depending on his or her skills in working with concrete. Good concrete finishers are in high demand because there aren't many. Learning the trade of concrete finishing takes time and not many people are willing to teach concrete finishing skills to the younger generation. I do, in The Concrete Underground, my private training for aspiring concrete people. This video talks about what a good concrete finisher can earn for money and the type of skills it takes to earn a good living in the concrete trade. EMAIL ME - https://www.everything-about-concrete.com/about-mike-day.html THE CONCRETE UNDERGROUND - TRAINING WITH MIKE: https://www.theconcreteunderground.com/the-concrete-underground GARAGE FLOOR EPOXY FLAKE COATING COURSE: https://www.theconcreteunderground.com/offers/JPMbSk6N MY STAMPED CONCRETE COURSE: https://mike-day.mykajabi.com/offers/3hhjPXHx MY CONCRETE SLAB COURSE: https://mike-day.mykajabi.com/pl/79570 FOUNDATION CRACK REPAIR COURSE: https://mike-day.mykajabi.com/offers/7YJRjejK GARAGE EPOXY FLOOR COATING COURSE: https://mike-day.mykajabi.com/offers/FHtpPXNH VISIT MY WEBSITE: https://www.everything-about-concrete.com/ USE THE SAME TOOLS I DO: MY DEWALT TOOLS PAGE: https://www.theconcreteunderground.com/resources MY MBW TOOLS PAGE: Battery Screed, Power Trowels https://acmetools.pxf.io/da1G47 TOUGHSYSTEM® 2.0 DXL™ 5-in-1 Modular Workstation https://acmetools.pxf.io/POyQRY DEWALT PENCIL VIBRATION TOOL: https://amzn.to/2Km5Zis INVERTER GENERATOR LIKE WE USE: https://amzn.to/4fqhrEP BULLFLOAT: https://amzn.to/2U1Kx2F HAND FINISHING KNEE BOARDS: https://amzn.to/2TZmTUj MAG FLOAT & STEEL TROWEL SET: https://amzn.to/2IgmDOq 2" MARGIN TROWEL: https://amzn.to/2G33KNn CONCRETE PLACER OR KUMALONG: https://amzn.to/2I00gxp CONCRETE FINISHING BROOM: https://amzn.to/2UytU2B CONCRETE SCREED: https://amzn.to/2WZxtwm CONCRETE EDGER: https://amzn.to/2GbGkEp CONCRETE GROOVER: https://amzn.to/2PaL414 Follow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/CreteExpert Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everything_about_concrete/?hl=en Follow my Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/everythingaboutconcrete/
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